Enhancing chemistry understanding and attitudes through an outreach education program on circular plastic economy: a case study with Thai twelfth-grade students

Toward a circular economy for plastics

The European Union has made the development of a circular economy one of the central ambitions of its Green Deal, in which plastics are a defined priority. Current policies, however, have drawn criticism that the narrow focus on techno-innovation opportunities and economic growth falls short of addressing multifaceted socio-ecological challenges, overlooks trade-offs between proposed solutions, and conceals conflicts of interest among different actors. This paper contributes to opening-up the critical political debate on the circular plastics economy using discourse analysis. Looking at how arguments are framed, which priorities are defined, and how actors take positions, we identify three circular plastics economy discourses in Europe: ‘Plastic fantastic’ (material-focused), ‘Circular economy will fly us to the moon’ (plastics economy-focused), and ‘Even plastic flowers are dead in this system’ (socio-ecological systems-focused). Our paper demonstrates that the circular plastics economy is inherently political and is actively imagined, built, and created through discursive mechanisms.

PurposeThis paper aims to provide insights into the environment needed for advancing a digitally enabled circular plastic economy in Africa. It explores important technical and social paradigms for the transition.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted an interpretivist paradigm, drawing on thematic analysis on qualitative data from an inter-sectoral engagement with 69 circular economy stakeholders across the continent.FindingsThe results shows that, while substantial progress has been made with regard to the development and deployment of niche innovations in Africa, the overall progress of circular plastic economy is slowed due to relatively minimal changes at the regime levels as well as pressures from the exogenous landscape. The study highlights that regime changes are crucial for disrupting the entrenched linear plastic economy in developing countries, which is supported by significant sunk investment and corporate state capture.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this study is with the sample as it uses data collected from five countries. Therefore, while it offers a panoramic view of multi-level synergy of actors and sectors across African countries, it is limited in its scope and ability to illuminate country-specific nuances and peculiarities.Practical implicationsThe study underlines the importance of policy innovations and regulatory changes in order for technologies to have a meaningful contribution to the transition to a circular plastic economy.Originality/valueThe study makes an important theoretical contribution by using empirical evidence from various African regions to articulate the critical importance of the regime dimension in accelerating the circular economy transition in general, and the circular plastic economy in particular, in Africa.

PurposeThis study aims to address the critical subject of building capacity for the circular economy in the global south. It complements the literature by providing information on the role of higher education institutions in developing skills for the circular plastic economy.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a mixed method approach drawing on reflective analysis on qualitative data from 5 focus groups and 12 semi-structured interviews, and structural equation modelling of quantitative data from 151 students across 4 Nigerian Universities.FindingsThe results indicate that Nigerian university students are more likely to participate in the circular plastic economy through a high prominence of soft power features such as increased awareness, inspiration, idea generation, encouragement and capacity building.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of this study is with the sample. A larger data set, including other tertiary institutions such as private universities, polytechnics and schools of vocational studies, would strengthen the results.Practical implicationsThe study underlines the importance of targeted policy interventions and pedagogic innovations to drive awareness and knowledge building among Nigeria’s youth population.Originality/valueThis study makes a novel contribution by using empirical evidence to determine the predictors of student participation in the circular plastic economy. This understanding is important for the development and implementation of appropriate policies that promote participation in the circular plastic economy. Furthermore, given the typical youthful age bracket of university students, any plans to achieve a systemic shift in the plastic value chain must involve the young generation.

Living in a society where plastic has become a necessity, the over-reliance on these materials is quite disturbing as they have social and economic effects, especially in waste disposal and resource management. Such issues have introduced the circular plastics economy (CPE), which aims to eliminate plastic waste by focusing on reducing, recycling, and reusing (3R) and designing biodegradable plastic products. Owing to these facts, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to analyze the existing literature on circular economy principles and plastic waste management systems in terms of 3R initiatives. Also, this study showcases the CPE by investigating how it is possible to manage plastic within a circular economy instead of a linear system. Additionally, system dynamics modeling (SDM) was applied to examine the inter-relationships between key elements such as plastic production, waste generation, recycling rates, and regulatory actions, along with the cognizance phase of waste diversion and advanced sorting technology to minimize landfill dependency and environmental pollution initiatives, including producer responsibility programs and zero-landfill targets. This study accumulated that zero waste strategies, such as plastic circularity, national waste management, and high-quality recycling, have achieved recycling rates ranging from 30% to 81% across various countries, significantly reducing plastic waste and enhancing resource efficiency. However, the added strategies in countries that are related to policy-driven initiatives can prospectively be useful for increasing recycling capacity to eliminate plastic waste in landfills, promoting a circular economy and sustainable waste management practices. This study also involved the critical stakeholders of the CPE who will make the utilization of plastic waste a reality. Ultimately, this research contributes to the fast-growing knowledge base on plastic waste management by presenting an interdisciplinary framework based on model synthesis and mathematical modeling, which is crucial for decision-makers, industries, and researchers.

To tackle the “plastic crisis”, the concept of circular economy has attracted considerable attention over the past years, both by practitioners and scholars alike. Against this background, this article reflects from a political scientist’s point of view on key issues currently under discussion regarding the implementation of a circular plastics economy. To do so, the article covers issues raised at the 2021 edition of the Tutzing Symposion, an annual event organized by DECHEMA, the German Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. These issues include renewable feedstock, life cycle assessments, chemical recycling, appropriate regulatory frameworks, and the allocation of responsibilities to curb plastic pollution. In addition, the article draws on mainly social scientists’ research to point out limitations of the most common understanding of the circular economy concept which describes the circular economy as a holistic approach that enables eco-economic decoupling and thus prevents ecological collapse while still allowing for economic growth. As a result, the article calls for a paradigm shift that challenges this popular, technocratic vision of the circular economy and puts forward sufficiency, i.e., an absolute reduction in production and consumption, as a prerequisite for the realization of a truly circular plastics economy.

Today, plastics are ubiquitous in everyday life, problem solvers of modern technologies, and crucial for sustainable development. Yet the surge in global demand for plastics of the growing world population has triggered a tidal wave of plastic debris in the environment. Moving from a linear to a zero-waste and carbon-neutral circular plastic economy is vital for the future of the planet. Taming the plastic waste flood requires closing the carbon loop through plastic reuse, mechanical and molecular recycling, carbon capture, and use of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. In the quest for eco-friendly products, plastics do not need to be reinvented but tuned for reuse and recycling. Their full potential must be exploited regarding energy, resource, and eco-efficiency, waste prevention, circular economy, climate change mitigation, and lowering environmental pollution. Biodegradation holds promise for composting and bio-feedstock recovery, but it is neither the Holy Grail of circular plastics economy nor a panacea for plastic littering. As an alternative to mechanical downcycling, molecular recycling enables both closed-loop recovery of virgin plastics and open-loop valorization, producing hydrogen, fuels, refinery feeds, lubricants, chemicals, and carbonaceous materials. Closing the carbon loop does not create a Perpetuum Mobile and requires renewable energy to achieve sustainability.

Mathematics is an important subject as it enhances critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and contributes to the advancement of science and technology. However, many students perceive it as a difficult subject, which hinders their interest and performance in learning mathematics. Traditional teacher-centered teaching methods and the lack of engaging learning media contribute to this issue. The purpose of this study is to examine the difference in learning outcomes between students taught using the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model assisted by interactive media Canva and those taught using the Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) model assisted by interactive media Canva, focusing on data presentation material in seventh-grade students at MTs. Negeri 1 Bone Bolango. This study employed an experimental research method with a Post-test Only Control Group Design. Two treatment groups were used: the experimental group and the control group. The research participants were 24 students from class VII.2 and 23 students from class VII.3. Data were collected through posttests. The intervention involved using the PBL model integrated with Canva as an interactive learning tool. The results were analyzed using paired sample t-tests to determine significant differences in learning outcomes. The results indicate a significant improvement in students' learning outcomes after the implementation of the PBL model with Canva assistance. The average posttest score increased from 52,17 to a higher value, suggesting better understanding and engagement. In conclusion, the use of the Canva-assisted PBL model effectively improves students' learning outcomes in mathematics, particularly in data presentation topics. This approach can serve as a valuable tool to promote active, student-centered learning in mathematics education.

Sustainable Green Polymerizations and End-of-Life Treatment of Polymers.

Writing is one of the most crucial skills for EFL students and also one of the most difficult to acquire. Many students face difficulties when it comes to writing in English. To address this challenge, this study examined whether or not combining inquiry-based learning with visual literacy could enhance EFL students’ writing proficiency in four areas: content, organization, grammatical structures, and vocabulary. An intact group of 20 secondary school students from a private school in northeastern Thailand participated in this mixed-methods study, and data were collected using writing tests, student portfolios, and focus group interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed by means of descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. Results of the Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed a significant improvement in students’ writing scores (Z = -3.946*, p < .05) with a medium effect size after implementing the inquiry-based learning with visual literacy model. Qualitative analysis revealed that students actively engaged in the learning process, which helped enhance their writing ability. The study findings suggest that an inquiry-based learning with visual literacy model had a positive impact on EFL students’ writing ability, as evidenced by the improved quality of their written texts. This study contributes to the existing literature on the use of inquiry-based learning to enhance EFL writing ability and emphasizes the importance of visual literacy in promoting student engagement and learning outcomes.

Automotive Electrical Electronics courses require effective learning models that can develop both technical knowledge and 21st-century skills. E-learning approaches offer potential solutions to enhance educational outcomes in this field. This study examined the effectiveness of the Rifdarmon-Based E-Learning Model in improving learning outcomes and 4C skills (creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication) in an Automotive Electrical Electronics course at Universitas Negeri Padang's Automotive Engineering Department. The research employed an experimental design comparing an experimental group using the Rifdarmon-Based E-Learning Model with a control group using conventional learning methods. Pre-tests and post-tests were conducted to measure learning outcomes, while specialized assessments evaluated 4C skills development. The experimental group showed significant improvements in learning outcomes, with pre-test scores increasing from 69.1 to 87.2 in post-test, compared to the control group's increase from 64.9 to 84.4. The 4C skills assessment revealed higher scores in the experimental group (86.6) versus the control group (74.95). Statistical analyses confirmed the model's effectiveness with a large effect size (point estimate -2.511) and significant multivariate test results (F=29.356, p<0.001). The Rifdarmon-Based E-Learning Model proved effective in enhancing both learning outcomes and 4C skills development in Automotive Electrical Electronics education. The integration of e-learning with the Rifdarmon model demonstrated significant improvements in students' academic performance and complex skill development compared to conventional learning methods.

Scholars and practitioners have highlighted the importance of digital innovations in the drive towards a circular plastic economy. Therefore this paper investigates the role of digital innovators and the public's response to digital innovations on the African continent. The study draws from four focus groups, and cross-sectional surveys of 33 digital innovators and 1475 community members across 20 low-middle income communities in five African countries. The results indicate that, while digital innovators are strongly optimistic and highly motivated, their engagement and impact on the circular plastic economy ecosystem are limited by a range of institutional, infrastructural and socio-cultural factors. Furthermore, results from the regression models of cross-sectional data of community members show that understanding of the technologies and perceived ease of use have significant positive impacts on uptake of technological innovations for the circular plastic economy, and perceived ease of use is also a significant moderator of barriers to adoption. The findings underline the need for a well-informed and motivated cohort of digital innovators to promote diffusion of circular plastic innovations. It also emphasizes the importance of a more collaborative, multistakeholder and multi-sectoral synergy to create a critical mass of the consumer public needed to break the linear economy lock-in mechanisms and accelerate the transition to a circular plastic economy in Africa.

Plastics are of key importance for numerous technical applications due to their functional properties and cost efficiency. However, their production from fossil raw materials and disposal pose major environmental problems. The transition to a circular economy (CE) is supposed to address these problems and is particularly difficult for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A framework is developed that illustrates circular economy (CE) strategies in the plastics industry, focussing on the practical implementation in the product life cycle and the actual contribution to a CE. Case studies of a polypropylene desk equipment and a polyurethane foam insulation element illustrate the practical application of the developed framework in two German SMEs and indicate further need for support. The developed CE concepts for both product systems were evaluated based on their environmental impacts using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The results show that CE strategies must be product-specific to be effective. Strategies such as the use of post-industrial recyclates and the use of biobased materials offer advantages but are not sufficient on their own to close material cycles. Closed-loop recycling and the reuse of products require customised collection systems but can contribute to truly closed material cycles. Overall, this framework serves as a starting point for identification of CE concepts for plastic products by companies and thereby promotes the transition to a more circular plastics economy. Future research should focus on evaluation of technical compatibility and long-term consequences as well as scalability of CE strategies and on alternative evaluation approaches.

Plastics have transformed our modern world. With a range of outstanding properties, they are used in an ever-widening range of applications. However, the linear economy of their use means that a large volume of plastics is discarded after use. It is believed that approximately 80% of the estimated total 6.3 Bt of plastics ever produced have been discarded, representing not only a huge loss of valuable resources, but mismanaged waste is also the origin of an ever-increasing environmental disaster. Strategies to prevent loss of materials resources and damage to the environment are elements of a circular plastics economy that aims to maintain plastics at their highest value for the longest time possible and at the same time improve the economy and prevent detrimental environmental impact. The latter in particular is driving recent changes in policies and legislation across the world that are rapidly being introduced in order to solve these environmental issues. The achievement of a circular economy will require not only innovative technical developments, but also major economic investment and changes to business practice coupled with significant changes in social behaviour. This paper summarizes the complex and highly interrelated technical issues and provides an overview of the major challenges, potential solutions and opportunities required to achieve and operate a circular plastics economy. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Science to enable the circular economy'.

Polymers for a Sustainable Future.